During a Tea Party rally against the Iran nuclear agreement on September 9, 2015, Donald Trump, a candidate for the U.S. presidency, spoke with reporters, showcasing his controversial views. Just recently, his campaign took a significant misstep by issuing a press release advocating for a ban on all Muslims from entering the United States. This declaration not only targets immigrants and travelers but also threatens to deny re-entry to Muslim American citizens currently abroad. The statement read: “Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country’s representatives can figure out what is going on.”
The language used in this press release is alarmingly simplistic, reminiscent of a child’s writing. It referenced biased, right-wing research to justify an action that fundamentally contradicts American values of inclusivity and freedom. Trump expressed that the “hatred” from certain groups is incomprehensible, asserting that until we can “determine and understand this problem and the dangerous threat it poses,” we remain vulnerable to “horrendous attacks.” He concluded with his campaign slogan, “If I win the election for President, we are going to Make America Great Again.”
What Does Trump’s Vision Entail?
What does Trump’s vision of a “great America” entail? In August, two men inspired by Trump assaulted a homeless individual while shouting anti-immigration slurs. According to police reports, they declared, “Donald Trump was right,” as they used a metal pipe against the victim. In another instance in November, after a protester shouted “Black lives matter!” at a Trump rally, supporters violently attacked him while Trump callously remarked, “Maybe he should have been roughed up.”
Moreover, at a rally in Alabama, after a particularly inflammatory speech about constructing a wall to keep immigrants out, two supporters exclaimed “White Power!”—a clear indication of the troubling sentiments that are being emboldened under Trump’s rhetoric. Initially, Trump was viewed as a mere celebrity figure, known for his flamboyant personality and catchphrases. However, it soon became evident that he was also voicing the fears and frustrations of many who harbor xenophobic attitudes.
His followers resonate with him because he vocalizes thoughts that a significant portion of the population has harbored for years, suppressed by the fear of social backlash. What Trump labels as “anti-political-correctness” is merely a cover for racism and xenophobia. His slogan, “Make America Great Again,” implies a desire to return to a time that many interpret as one dominated by white, Christian ideals.
The Rising Concern
As his popularity continues to rise, the implications of him potentially securing the Republican nomination transform the situation from a mere spectacle into a serious concern. The humorous memes and jokes about Trump are overshadowed by the reality: he is evolving into one of the most dangerous figures in American politics today.
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In summary, Donald Trump’s rhetoric poses a significant threat to the foundational ideals of America, fostering division and hostility. His rise in popularity should be a wake-up call to all who cherish the core values of inclusivity and respect for diversity.